Globe tests network spam filtering system

GLOBE Telecom is testing implementation of a filtering mechanism to shield its customers from receiving unwanted and annoying text spam messages.

The telecommunications provider said it installed in its network an automated filtering mechanism to prevent transmittal of spam and scam messages to mobile devices of some of its postpaid customers.

“So far, more than 10,000 spam and scam messages have been blocked from the Globe network,” said Globe senior vice president Joel Agustin, who also heads Globe’s Service Management Division, Network Technical Group.

“We have just taken to the next level our campaign against annoying text spam and scam messages. We hope to include more and more postpaid customers in the filtering system in the coming days,” Agustin said.

“Rest assured that our technical team will continue to design and develop mechanisms that will rid the network of such irritating messages for a more wonderful customer experience,” he added.

Globe said that the move is in step with the company’s network transformation initiative to deliver the most modernized telecommunications infrastructure in the country.

According to the Ayala-led company, mobile numbers that are identified to be a constant source of spam and scam messages will be temporarily disconnected from service. This means that voice, SMS and data services will not be available to these numbers. Service restoration for such numbers will only be undertaken if the users contest the move and show proof they are not text spammers.

The company recently reported that mobile numbers deactivated from Globe service surged this year amid intensified efforts of the mobile operator to combat unsolicited promotional materials sent as SMS messages.

As of April this year, Globe said it barred from its network more than 1,000 mobile numbers. This is 33 percent higher than the total mobile numbers blocked from the network for the whole of 2013.

From January to April 2014, the amount of blocked mobile numbers due to reported spamming activities increased by an average of 450 percent from a year ago.

In June, Globe made it easier for customers to report unwanted messages by creating an online channel through which customers can report text spam and text scams. Globe advises subscribers to simply go to http://www.globe.com.ph/stopspam and provide all the details required.

Numbers that are reported for the first time as the source of text spams are sent warnings. If the same numbers are reported for the second time due to text spams, these are immediately blocked from the network.